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Juneteenth celebrations have been happening across America since 1865 and are held each year in various cities to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States and this weekend you have an opportunity to attend a special commemoration open house event at the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA).

Starting at noon at their home on Monroe Center in the heart of downtown, GRAAMA will present a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation as well as read this historical document for the public.

James, a former teacher, noticed over her career that often when it came to telling the stories of African Americans, that most accounts were not even written by a person of color (if they were being told at all).

This disturbed James as an educator and so rather than complain about it, she stepped up to become the voice of the many who had been silenced over time, giving a new generation of students of all races an opportunity to better understand the many leaders who came before them.

The Friends series has grown to an impressive 28 titles, including stories on famed Black leaders like A. Philip Randolph, Bayard Rustin, Dorothy Height, and many more. And while these books are aimed at a middle school reading level, it is worth noting that, given the absence of many of these voices from generations of education, these books are great for folks of all ages seeking to know more about those who fought to ensure that the rights won under the Emancipation Proclamation are not lost or eroded.

James’ contribution to African American literature is significant because, through her books, a new generation of children are finally having an opportunity to know their history more fully.

During the three-hour window on Saturday, James will be signing books at GRAAMA.

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